Sikkim is a state of monasteries, high-altitude lakes, and trekking trails. From Borong, you are well-placed to explore parts of both West and East Sikkim.
Pelling, a key town in West Sikkim, is about 115km from the state capital, Gangtok. It's the base for visiting the historic Pemayangtse and Sanga Choeling monasteries, which offer deep insights into Tibetan Buddhism and incredible views of the Kanchenjunga range.
From Gangtok, you can arrange a day trip to Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake. It sits at an altitude of 12,400 ft and is about 40km from the city. The lake is often frozen in winter. A permit is required to visit.
Also near Gangtok is the Rumtek Monastery, the seat of the Karmapa Lama. It's a vast complex and one of the most significant monasteries outside of Tibet. It's located about 24km from Gangtok.
For serious trekkers, the Goecha La trek is a classic. It starts from Yuksom and takes you to the base of Mt. Kanchenjunga. This is a multi-day trek that requires proper planning and a guide.
North Sikkim, with its famous Yumthang Valley (the 'valley of flowers'), is accessible from Gangtok via Lachung. This region requires a special permit and is best visited outside the monsoon season when roads are clear.
The most reliable airport for reaching Sikkim is Bagdogra (IXB) in West Bengal, approximately 124km away. From there, it’s a 4 to 5-hour drive to reach most destinations in South and West Sikkim. Sikkim’s own airport, Pakyong (PYG), is closer to Gangtok (30km), but flights are often diverted to Bagdogra due to weather.
The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), also in West Bengal, located 122km away. From NJP, you can hire a taxi or take a shared vehicle to travel into Sikkim.
The main road hub is Gangtok, the state capital. It's the center for arranging transport and the necessary permits for restricted areas.
The best time to visit Sikkim is during two main windows. The spring season, from March to May, is when the rhododendrons are in full bloom, covering the hillsides in color. The weather is pleasant and the skies are relatively clear.
The second window is autumn, from October to mid-December. This period offers the clearest skies and the best views of the Himalayan peaks, including Kanchenjunga. The weather is crisp and dry. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rain and frequent landslides, which can cause road closures, especially in North Sikkim.
